Portfolio / Blue Book

2012 is upon us very shortly- a great time for reflection and resolutions.  Way back when I was in university (many, many years ago) , we were required to create a portfolio for job interviews.  Although portfolios do not seem as common during interviews, I still believe it is great to always have, just in case a question arises and you can SHOW OFF!

However, if you don't have a portfolio, I do encourage you to have a Blue Book or in my case after many years of teaching a Blue Box.  This is a place to keep all of your treasured memories from teaching.  Thank you cards, Awards, Pictures of your Best Units, Letters of References, Accomplishments - Anything that will put a smile on your face after a bad day.  Keep it handy and update it regularly.  You will be amazed by the items you collect and the pieces you will cherish the most.

I love this one quote about a portfolio because I have seen so many different styles and presentation formats - a portfolio truly is a reflection of YOU!
"Portfolios are a marriage between science and art; the science is synthesizing and evaluating the artifacts coupled with effectively illustrating the art of teaching.  While it is used as a vehicle in which to showcase one's strengths, achievements, philosophies and growth, the criteria for success weighs heavily on the ability of being authentic in the portrayal of one's true self" (Ruban & Gauthier, 1998).

So if you are just starting out on creating a portfolio or you are updating your current one, here are some great things to consider.
1) Pictures, Pictures, Pictures - They are a must and everyone loves looking at them.
2) Professional Information - Resume (yes, make sure you always have an updated one), Letters of Recommendation, Formal Evaluations, Transcripts, Awards
3) Autobiographical Statement and Educational Philosophy
4) Teaching Practices and Artifacts - highlight some of your favorite units/lessons/examples of student work.

Remember your portfolio or Blue Book is a great way to continue to grow professionally and highlight how we continue to learn, develop, grow and update our knowledge, skills and attitudes as educators. 


Possible Sections:













Examples



And my most recent addition!!

Have a great time working on your portfolio or just looking through your blue book with a hot cup of coffee!

4 comments:

  1. Great idea! Thanks for sharing!

    Happy New Year!

    ❤ Mor Zrihen ❤
    A Teacher's Treasure

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  2. I love this post Theresa. I think that everyone should keep a portfolio. That way the memories can be shared forever.

    Bill

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  3. Great ideas! As I am curretly job hunting, I keep an extensive portfolio and take it with me everywhere! Mine even contains a video file on a flash drive of me teaching a lesson! :)

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  4. Kimberly,
    I like that idea of having a flash drive! Very cool!

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